A leading Church of England official was allowed to keep working even after he admitted to abusing a girl "dozens of times" over a seven year period.

John Bailey, 76, who was director of education for the Diocese of Lincoln from 1996 until he resigned in 2002, has been jailed for six years after he pleaded guilty to 25 charges of indecent assault - some of which dated from more than 60 years ago.

One of his victims complained years ago about his behaviour to the diocese but no action was taken at the time.

Two of the charges were committed so long ago that they pre-dated the 1956 Sexual Offences Act and had to be brought under the 1861 Offences Against the Person Act.

Bailey was placed on the sex offenders' register for life and given an indefinite sexual harm prevention order. He will also be barred from working with children and was given a life time restraining order banning him from contacting two of his victims.

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Judge Simon Hirst told him: "You did real and lasting damage to all of your victims. You did so for no other reason than to gain sexual gratification for yourself of a wholly improper kind.

"I consider that your offending is so serious that an immediate custodial sentence can be imposed."

One of the victims, in an impact statement, described how her life had been ruined by the abuse.

She said: "I can't believe what he's done to me. He has ruined my life. Its worse because he is so churchey."

Another said the offences against her has a profound effect on her relstionships and was a significant factor in the breakdown of her marriage. She later trained as a volunteer counsellor with Childline.

Christopher Moran, representing Bailey, told the court that his client has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimers disease and vascular dementia.

He said Bailey feels deeply ashamed and remorseful for what he did.

An NSPCC spokesman said: “Bailey probably thought justice would never catch up with him – but this case shows that abuse survivors will be listened to, no matter how many years have passed.

“By carrying out these vile assaults on young girls, he exploited the trust placed in him in his role at the Diocese.

“They can call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000, while children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or via www.childline.org.uk .”

The Bishop of Lincoln, the Right Reverend Christopher Lowson, said: “It is hard to express the impact that John Bailey’s appalling crimes must have had on the lives of the survivors of his abuse and on their families. I wish to pay tribute to their courage in bringing him to justice.

“I would also like to thank the police for their work on this case and for their continued commitment to Operation Redstone, which was established in response to detailed case reviews carried out by the Bishop’s Safeguarding Team.

"I want to reassure everyone that our safeguarding work in the diocese includes mandatory training and background checks for all clergy and church officers.

“The public are fully entitled, and deserve, to expect the highest conduct from clergy, who promised solemnly at their ordination to order their lives according to the way of Jesus Christ.

"We continue to work in partnership with the police and statutory authorities and will leave no stone unturned in bringing to light crimes which have, for whatever reason, remained hidden.”